Sutton travelled to AFC B'ham Football Development in the league with a very young squad, due to seven regular U21 players being unavailable through injury.

It meant that debuts were made by five players from the club's U17 squad, with Aaron Pritchard, Matthew Funge, Tom Brookes, Jake Wilkes (all 16 year old's) and 17 year old Raphael Johnson stepping up at late notice.

On a perfect playing surface, Sutton got off to a great start when after just 3 minutes a Will West corner was headed home by Matty Funge from close range, with probably his first touch on his debut!

Sutton were playing well and increased the lead after 15 minutes when Sam Yankson weaved his way into the box and placed his shot into the bottom corner. Yankson had a chance to make it 3 shortly afterwards but poked his close range effort just the wrong side of the post.

Jake Wilkes was a constant threat down the left as Sutton continued to dominate the 1st period, going in with a 0-2 advantage.

AFC came out with a change of shape in the 2nd half and an increase in tempo which had Sutton defending for the opening minutes of the half. On the hour mark Sutton made it 0-3 when Funge got his second goal of the game with a superb direct free kick which gave the keeper no chance.

AFC were reduced to 10 men for 10 minutes when the keeper was sent to the sin bin for dissent. Rather than capitalise on their advantage, Sutton allowed AFC back into the game and they had their best spell during this period, reducing the arrears to 1-3 from the penalty spot and missing a couple of other clear chances. Sutton regained control though and from a short free kick, Funge turned provider, crossing for Regan Ganley to volley home his first goal for the club at the far post. With 10 minutes remaining Funge completed his hat trick heading home Will West's inch perfect cross at the far post. Final score 1-5.

While Funge's debut hat trick will grab the headlines, this was an all round team effort with every one playing a full part to earn the victory.

Next week we travel to Rushall Olympic in a league fixture.